Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the support questions we get most often. Most questions can be answered by reviewing the installation guidelines for each Armacost Lighting product. These guidelines can be found here.

Use the SureLock connector included with your tape light to connect two LED strips without soldering. To extend this length, cut the SureLock Wire Lead connector in half, and splice a wire to the two ends of the connector.

Although RibbonFlex Pro LED tape lighting is thin and flexible, it is not designed to make sideways or lateral bends and turns. But like a making a decorative ribbon bow for a gift, you can easily create soft bends and small loops that will make the tape lighting change direction sideways. View our PDF on making corner turns which contains detailed photos as well as some best practices for under cabinet installations.

For these types of lighting configurations, referred to as a center feed (two runs) or an array (three or more runs), each run of LED tape light must have a power wire connected to the power supply, dimmer or controller using one of the options shown in the illustrations below. Except for Bulk Reels, a power wire comes pre-installed on both ends of the LED tape light. To create additional power wires, use a SureLock Extension connector, cut a SureLock Wire Lead connector in half, or solder wire to the copper pads on the tape. Be sure to always maintain polarity.

Yes, you can direct wire the LED strips by soldering leads onto the copper pads. Test the light connection, then seal with 3/16″ heat-shrink tubing.If you prefer to use wire lead snap connectors, visit us online at armacostlighting.com/store.

When your counter top is highly reflective, the best method for mounting LED tape for under cabinet lighting is to install the tape lighting flat up against the back side of your cabinet lip.

RibbonFlex Pro has a wide 120 degree beam angle, and by installing the tape lighting on the cabinet lip it will eliminate LED bright spots on reflective counter top surfaces while washing the surface and backsplash with light. For detailed installation photos including techniques for running tape light from one cabinet to another, view this PDF.

No, only use one dimmer OR one color controller per power supply in your LED lighting application. If you connect more than one of these components to a single power supply, you will experience feedback issues (irregular dimming; inconsistent/uneven illumination) with your lighting.

If you are using multiple RF devices (due to a large installation or because you have multiple power supplies in your configuration), you have two options for controlling your lighting. Unique channel codes: This option allows each RF device to independently control the lighting connected to it. Therefore, if you have two separate devices in an area, you can control each one separately. Channeled alike codes: This option allows multiple RF devices to be controlled with one transmitter. If you have two separate devices in an area, you can control them simultaneously.

This is most likely a polarity or connection issue. When connecting two pieces of warm white tape light be sure to connect positive wires to positive (+ to +) and negative wires to negative (- to -). Polarity is easily identified with + and – marking on the LED tape as shown:

When connecting two pieces of RGB tape light be sure to connect the +12V/G/R/B indicators on the tape light to maintain polarity and correct color sequencing:

Note: some RGB tape may have +GRB sequence while others may be +BRG An easy way to check your polarity when using a wire lead snap connector is to look for the Armacost Lighting AL logos. If they are not oriented the same way (right side up or upside down) then you are going to have a polarity issue.

Each package includes a reel of LED tape light with two pre-installed power wires, 1 SureLock Wire Lead connector, 1 SureLock snap connector, 2 wire support clips and Installation Guidelines. 32.8′ (10m) bulk reels of RibbonFlex Pro do not include connectors or pre-installed power leads.

Review the Troubleshooting section of the Installation Guidelines for each of the components of your configuration. The solution may be a simple adjustment as outlined in these guidelines. If, after troubleshooting, you are still experiencing an issue, please email us at support@armacostlighting.com.

For technical or installation questions please email support@armacostlighting.comor call us at 410-354-6000 (Eastern U.S. time). Our business hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Please note that most technical and installation support inquiries are initially handled by email since they may require us to send you additional information, specific to your needs, to read and review. If needed, we will also schedule a time for you to talk with one of our installation experts.

IMPORTANT: To ensure a prompt and tailored response, be sure to include your name, telephone number, model of the products you are using, detailed questions, and any applicable layouts or drawings of your lighting plans or ideas.